RIO DE JANEIRO: Developing nations should no longer be considered as marginal players in the global system as the Global South has risen to possess its own strength in technology, trade, leadership and world morals, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said today, BRICS has moved beyond political rhetoric and is in fact a coalition of political power, economy and civil society that moves together in demanding a global system that is more fair and just.
“BRICS uniqueness lies in the active participation of the private sector, women, youth and society, making the struggle not just an elite cause but a movement that is collective, inclusive and resilient,” he said at the BRICS Business Forum on Saturday (July 5).
The Prime Minister said that as Asean Chair, Malaysia shares this aspiration.
“We in South East Asia fight for multilateralism, strengthen intra-Asean trade and pioneer the use of local currency in cross-border transactions.
“This is a concrete move towards a financial system that is more stable and free of unilateral domination,” he said.
Anwar said BRICS and Asean members must also strengthen strategic cooperation, including boosting trade and investment with developing nations.
“I also call for major reforms towards global institutions such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organisation to reflect current realities and the needs of developing countries, and not be trapped in an obsolete post World War II structure,” he said.
The BRICS 2025 Summit, said the Prime Minister, should not merely be a continuity of past efforts, but rather, be the point of new beginnings.
“With political leadership that is visionary, a public sector that is progressive and unity among the Global South, we have a real opportunity to re-shape the global landscape,” he said.
